Shank-stiffener



` (No Mdel.)

P. ZOPFI, J1. SHANK 'STIFFEIIERI NQ. 497,157. PatentedMay 9, 189s.

UNITED STATES PATENT OEEICE.

PETER ZOPFI, JR., OE GALETON, PENNSYLVANIA.

SHANK-STIFFEN ER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 497,157, dated May 9, 1893.

Application led December 13,1892. Serial No. 455,055. (No model.) i

To a/ZZ whom it may concern,.-

Be it known that I, PETER ZoPEI, Jr., a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Galeton, in the county of Potter and State f Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Shank and Counter Stiifeners for Boots or Shoes; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and eX- act description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to letters of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

Figure 1 of the drawings is a vertical 1ongitudinal section of the stiffener applied to a shoe. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the stiffener.

This invention relates to certain new and usefulimprovements in combined shanks and counter stiffeners for boots, or shoes, the object being to prevent running over and lopping down at the heel; and the invention consists in the novel construction and combination of parts, all as hereinafter specified.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, the letter A designates my improvement, which consists of the counter stiffener portion a, andthe shank b. The stiffener a consists of a thin metallic plate, of somewhat oval elongated form, projecting laterally from each side of the rear portion of the shank, the projecting portions being bent upwardly in the manner shown. The central portion of the plate is preferably cut away, as indicated at c, c, to insure greater lightness and elasticity. The shank portion c, at its forward end is enlarged and the central portion of the enlargement cut away, forming an oval loop CZ. The lateral branches forming this loop being connected at their forward ends, it will be apparent that their elasticity is equalized, so that whether the wearer walks upon one side of his foot 0r the other, or squarely upon the bottom, the full elasticity of the shank is utilized. The stiffener for the counter, it will be observed is of such shape as to allow for the swell of the heel.

The device is applied to a boot or shoe in the manner shown in Fig. 1. The stiffener plate is placed between the outside leather, and the counter, extending underneath and up the lower lateral portions of the heel, thereby acting as a stiffener and preventing the boot or shoe from running or lopping over, in the manner common with ordinary boots and shoes. The shank extends along under the arch and ball of the foot in the ordinary manner.

For the purpose'of securing the device in place, perforations e, e, are formed therein.

In the construction of the device steel is preferred, although other suitable material whereby their action is equalized, as above set forth; also in the different shape of the counter stiffener, which embraces a considerable portion of the heel, and is of such form as to accommodate the swell thereof.

Having described this invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, 1s-

The herein described improved shank and counter stiffener for boots or shoes, comprising the shank enlarged at its forward end portion, said enlarged portion being cut away to form an oval loop, the lateral hanches of which are connected at their forward ends in order to equalize their action, and an integral counter stiener portion of somewhat oval form, projecting laterally from each side of the shank, said projecting portions being bent upwardly into such form as to conform to the swell of the heel substantially as specified.

In testimony whereof Iaffix mysignature in presence of two witnesses.

PETER ZOPFI, JR.

Witnesses:

PETER ZOPEI, Sen., EDDIE ZOPEI. 

